Search

Leger Holidays · Escorted tour

Glacier Express New Year Magic by Rail

Six-day New Year train journey through Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express

Illustration of Glacier Express New Year Magic by Rail

Leger Holidays operates this six-day New Year escorted tour centred on Switzerland's most celebrated scenic train and Switzerland's highest lake resort. Departing London on December 28, the journey leads by Eurostar to Paris, then onward by rail to Lucerne, where you stay five nights at Hotel Waldstätterhof. On Day 3, the Glacier Express carries you on an eight-hour journey through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels across the Oberalp Pass at 2,034 metres, one of the Alps' most dramatic rail crossings. Day 4 offers leisure time in Lucerne before a seven-course New Year's Eve gala dinner with champagne at midnight. On New Year's Day, the Mount Rigi cogwheel railway climbs from Vitznau to the summit. An experienced Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and a guided walking tour explores Lucerne's Chapel Bridge, Musegg Wall, and Lion Monument. The tour returns to London by Eurostar on January 2. This journey suits couples seeking a structured holiday, repeat rail travellers who want to experience the Glacier Express, and those who prefer escorted comfort with included meals and rail transfers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 requires you to make your own way to London St. Pancras International; Leger Holidays does not provide UK transport to the station.
  • The hotel is a three-star property; those seeking higher-rated accommodation should confirm with the operator.
  • Only three evening meals are included; breakfast is provided daily but lunches are not mentioned as included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne, Switzerland

    Make your own way to London St. Pancras International, board Eurostar to Paris, then the high-speed train to Basel and onward train to Lucerne. (Dec 28)

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne, Switzerland

    Lucerne Guided Walking Tour

    After breakfast, a local guide takes us on a walking tour of Lucerne, including the Chapel Bridge, Musegg Wall, Jesuit Church, Spreuer Bridge and the Lion Monument. (Dec 29)

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne, Switzerland

    Glacier Express

    We take the train from Lucerne to Andermatt or Chur, from where we board the Glacier Express - the world's slowest express train, roughly 8 hours, 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, via the Oberalp Pass (2,034m). We take the train back to Lucerne. (Dec 30)

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Lucerne, Switzerland

    Free Time in Lucerne

    Enjoy a leisurely day in Lucerne using your Lucerne Visitor Card. This evening, a seven-course New Year's Eve gala dinner, including a glass of champagne at midnight. (New Year's Eve)

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne, Switzerland

    Cogwheel Railway & Mount Rigi

    Happy New Year! We take the boat from Lucerne to Vitznau, followed by the cogwheel railway to Mount Rigi, then the train to Arth-Goldau and back to the hotel. (New Year's Day)

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    We depart in the morning, retracing our route to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. (Jan 2)

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Lucerne includes the Chapel Bridge, Musegg Wall, Jesuit Church, and the Lion Monument.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, takes roughly eight hours crossing the Oberalp Pass at 2,034 metres via 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
  • Day 4New Year's Eve gala dinner with seven courses and champagne at midnight.
  • Day 5Mount Rigi cogwheel railway journey from Vitznau to the summit, then train to Arth-Goldau.

Included

  • Return Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris
  • Connecting rail journeys
  • Welcome drink
  • 5 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 3 evening meals including a New Year's Eve Gala Dinner with champagne
  • Rail transfers for excursions
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes return Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris, connecting rail journeys to Lucerne, the Glacier Express, the Mount Rigi cogwheel railway, and all rail transfers for excursions.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Escorted. Leger Holidays provides an experienced Tour Manager throughout the tour and includes a guided walking tour of Lucerne.
What is included in the price?
Return Eurostar, connecting rail journeys, five nights at Hotel Waldstätterhof with continental breakfast, three evening meals including a New Year's Eve gala dinner with champagne, rail transfers, Tour Manager services, and a welcome drink.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is rated Active; you should be comfortable walking for at least 40 minutes including stairs and station transfers while carrying your own luggage, with three or more train changes across the six days.
When does this tour run?
This is a New Year departure departing December 28 and returning January 2.

Similar journeys